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Minnesota News
MPR News Staff

Crews battle large fire at former Hastings Creamery

A fire at an industrial building with fire trucks in front.
Crews battle a fire Wednesday night at the former Hastings Creamery in Hastings, Minn.
David Peterlinz | KARE 11

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Updated: 10:25 a.m.

Crews from more than a half-dozen fire departments spent hours battling a large fire that started late Wednesday at the former Hastings Creamery in Hastings, Minn. — just weeks after the century-old business closed its doors.

The fire in the building at 1701 Vermillion St. — U.S. Highway 61 — was reported just after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Hastings first responders found flames and heavy smoke coming from the building when they arrived. Fire departments from nearby communities responded to a request for mutual aid to help battle the flames through the night.

KARE 11 reported that nearby residents had received alerts overnight to stay indoors and close windows amid concerns about ammonia leaking at the fire scene.

In an update Thursday morning, the city of Hastings said “multiple air samples were taken around the community and were clear of harmful chemicals. … Community members can open their windows and turn on any air exchange systems at this time as there are no threats to the public.”

The Minnesota Department of Transportation said a stretch of Highway 61 through Hastings was back open by 8 a.m. after being closed for hours overnight as firefighters worked at the scene.

There were no reports of injuries. Local officials and the State Fire Marshal’s office are investigating the cause of the fire.

Hastings Creamery was founded in 1913 as a butter manufacturer and began bottling milk in 1920. It was owned by a group of local farmers.

It closed earlier this year, weeks after the Metropolitan Council cut off sewer service to the creamery after it leaked thousands of gallons of milk and cream into the city of Hastings’ sewer system, resulting in several permit violations.